The perfect keyboard

My 2 year journey with a custom ortholiner mechanical keyboard

6 min read

It all started two years ago when I had pain in my right arm. This warning sign prompted me to look for a more ergonomic solution, and I fell down the rabbit hole of r/MechanicalKeyboards on Reddit.

That’s where I virtually met Giorgio and learned about his project, a 40% ortholinear mechanical keyboard (Planck), which has only 48 keys.

It’s called Let’s split.

Let’s split

The unique feature is that it can be taken apart and put back together using small hidden magnets.

At the time, it seemed like an excellent solution: I could test the ergonomics of a separate keyboard divided into two modules, and knowing that I could join them together thanks to a system of magnets and use it as a straight keyboard reassured me.

Spoiler alert: in the last two years, I have rarely connected it, as I always use it in split mode. And, of course, my arm is grateful.

However, the benefit has not only been physical: it is an exceptional keyboard that, in addition to its ergonomic features, can be customized using “layers.”

Before buying it, I had a lot of doubts about this keyboard, and although as a designer I love the “less is more” philosophy, I wasn’t convinced that it would work for a keyboard with only 48 keys.

It seemed too few to me, and I asked myself the classic questions that anyone approaching this world asks:

The answer lies in the QMK firmware, which allows you to program the keyboard and key combinations to interact with the computer in a personal way. More human. I no longer have to strain my hands to press complex combinations.

Giorgio was right about one thing when he sold it to me: “The only problem with this keyboard is that, once you’ve customized it to your needs, you’ll never be able to type on a normal keyboard again.” He was right! Going back to typing on a traditional keyboard has become very tiring, because now I have a tool that is tailored to my needs and my way of working.

An ortholinear layout

Let’s split

The first thing you notice about this keyboard is the perfect grid of keys. Unlike traditional keyboards, where the keys are different sizes and staggered, the Let’s Split keyboard has keys that are all the same size and arranged in a grid of rows and columns.

It may seem strange at first, but it’s a huge advantage when typing: each key is located exactly under the right finger.

On standard keyboards, the little finger is the sacrificed finger: it has to do gymnastics and stretch to reach the keys in the side columns.

With this ortholinear configuration, however, the little finger exerts much less effort and actively participates in typing.

The result is that the hands remain steady and the posture is naturally more relaxed.

48 keys for infinite workflows

The keyboard has only 48 keys, but thanks to layers, they can be configured to meet every need.

I configured mine this way.

The default layer

Default layer with lower, raise and combos
Default layer with lower, raise and combos.

Here I have everything I need to write in three languages. Thanks to the LOWER and RAISE keys, I can access the special characters assigned to each key:

For accents, long pressing on the right space bar activates the right Alt key, which is very easy to reach with your right thumb:

Thanks to QMK combos, I can use rare characters without using complicated shortcuts:

The ortholinear layout allows you to maintain the modern layout of the UP, RIGHT, DOWN, and LEFT arrow keys and still offers a significant advantage over Corne, which uses HJKL as in Vim.

Although I use HJKL in Helix to navigate through text, I love the inverted-T layout for the arrow keys in other applications.

Navigation layer
Navigation layer

By holding down the NAV key, the right side of the keyboard turns into a mouse.

This is very useful in two cases: when the Bluetooth mouse is dead or when I need to navigate the PC BIOS (where a wired mouse would be needed).

This way, I never take my hands off the keyboard and can use this mouse for micro interactions.

NAV Y and NAV U allow me to decrease or increase the volume, while NAV I allows me to mute the audio.

NAV P is the equivalent of Print Screen, which in KDE launches Spectale for screenshots and screen recording.

Alternatively, I have set META SHIFT S as Screenshot (rectangular region).

The NUM numeric keypad

Function keys and numerical keypad
Function keys and numerical keypad

Holding down ESC activates layer 5, which enables:

Current hardware

I consider this keyboard a small handcrafted gem and it is a one-of-a-kind prototype:

The evolution of the prototype

Let’s split

Over the years, Giorgio and I have become friends and have discussed many times what the perfect keyboard would be:

  1. 40% ortholinear: we both agree on this point, and I have already explained the reasons;
  2. Ultra-flat profile: use of Kailh Choc switches to minimize height and stress on the wrists;
  3. Advanced electronics: based on RP2040, and a custom PCB board capable of accommodating both traditional and low-profile switches;
  4. Full RGB: full LED lighting on all keys;
  5. Hybrid connectivity: wireless for freedom of movement, but with USB-C for charging and wired use (e.g., boot/BIOS);
  6. Magnetic modular design:
    • no more cables between the two halves: data and power connection via magnetic pogo pins;
    • extra modules: magnetic support for attaching a (powerful) trackpad or trackball to use with your thumbs.

No turning back

Let’s split

After two years of use, this custom keyboard has become irreplaceable: it continues to give me satisfaction every day.

Of course, it took some time to get used to the new layout at first, but once I got over that hurdle, I found myself with a tool that fits perfectly into my way of working.

The ergonomic design has eliminated stress on my wrists and forearms, and I’m convinced that the next step —making it even thinner— will be the key to achieving ultimate versatility.

Notes